Myths vs. Realities

10 Common Health Myths

Not so long ago, I used to believe on the same health beliefs we commonly hear from our mom and dads and even our late grandparents. With all due respect, I count them helpful as I came to discover the truth about health and the real score of its implication. It is my desire to share some of the things I learned in nursing school to which I hope we all would benefit from this day on.

False Myth # 1. You can have appendicitis if you jump and exercise right after meals.

               

As a child, I often hear my mom saying I should not play after eating because of the chance of having appendicitis. That scares me because my Dad had appendectomy too. As I grew up and decided to pursue a nursing career, I learned that an inflammation of the appendix is not caused by this old belief. Rather it is caused by invasion of bacteria, obstruction of stool or foreign body within the appendix itself, and genetics in some cases. Hence, the lesson of the story is to do the right prevention such as to eat plenty of dark leafy vegetables, consume more whole grain products and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

False Myth #2.  Eating sour foods should be avoided because it will cause pain while you are menstruating. 

Alright this sounds like a feminine issue but I am pretty sure that men heard this belief too. In the past, I tried to avoid these foods but now I am an active fruit seeker to which most have sour taste.  When a woman is menstruating, she loses an average of ¼ cup of blood and some iron contents are also eliminated.  Those who lose more often feel weak and fainting. It is advised then that women consume more iron rich foods. For it to be utilized in the body, its absorption can perfectly occur by eating adequate amount of Vitamin C. Hurray girls! Having a glass of juice would save you at all.

False Myth #3.  Strange food cravings of a pregnant woman would make her baby look like these cravings.

Ask any woman who had been pregnant if she associated her babies physically to the foods she ate before. My mother used to tell us that she usually craves for java plum or “duhat” while she carries my eldest brother. It turned that he appeared slightly dark in complexion and she associated it with the fruit. My second brother, on the other hand, has fair complexion to which she remembered that jicama or “singkamas” was her favorite fruit. 

The truth is genetics is the sole factor that influence the physical attributes of a person. Certain genes from the mother or father or their respective family trees determine how their children would look or act like. Foods are not responsible to such appearance although they play a crucial role in a child’s growth and development. 

False Myth #4. The remedy for dog and snakebite is the "cut and suck" method and tying of the affected area.

This old folklore is still practiced today but according to research it aggravates the victim's condition. This will not prevent the spread of venom to the entire body. The first home remedy is to wash it with running water and soap. You may flush it with betadine or hydrogen peroxide then secure a clean dressing. For safety purposes, it is best to bring the victim at the nearest hospital as quickly as possible.

False Myth #5.  Carrying spoils a baby.

I heard stories that some mothers are warned not to carry their babies frequently because it would spoil them at an early age. Wrong notion. During infancy, trust is something that babies need to be provided for. They are in constant look for comfort, security, and closeness  to a new world they are facing. At this age, they cannot reason out so there is no worry of spoiling them. As they move down to another stage of their lives, their needs will eventually change and new demands arise. They will only become a baby once so don't miss the opportunity to hold and cuddle them, making them feel that they are loved and accepted.

Lady J's Challenge: Spread these truths to your friends and neighbors and together let us build a conscious and healthy world! ^_^,

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To be continued...